The Atlantic can pursue FBI records in fight with Kash Patel
Summary
A federal judge paused most discovery in FBI Director Kash Patel’s defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic while he considers the magazine’s motion to dismiss. The judge said The Atlantic has legitimate First Amendment concerns, but allowed both sides to seek government records.Key Facts
- U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan issued the ruling Tuesday in a 16-page order.
- Patel sued The Atlantic over an April report alleging he drinks excessively and is sometimes difficult for staff to wake.
- The report also said Patel was increasingly worried about losing his job.
- The Atlantic says Justice Department and FBI records could help it assess the accuracy of its reporting and Patel’s reputation.
- Patel objected to the requests as too broad, citing records involving his medical and travel information, calendar, and personnel decisions.
- Sullivan paused most discovery until he rules on The Atlantic’s motion to dismiss, but said both parties may request government records.
- Sullivan did not decide whether The Atlantic’s reporting was true or whether it defamed Patel.
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